At the Corner of Progress and Peril

I should be in a coma right now, but oh well. This Washington poast article is long, but very interesting. I am very intrigued to keep track of the series as it develops. It's so long, that I'll have to read it a few times before I can really write about it, but others can feel free to chime in. I'm about to go kiss my pillow.

I offered her ones, she wanted hundreds

I offered her ones, she wanted hundreds
She don't even drink, shorty sips SunKiss
Caught me on the one on one, always try to tongue kiss
She aint the type of girl that I'll have my son with
-Nature, "Young Love"

Hmmmm. Call me crazy, but I had the mis/fortune to attend a bachelor party tonight. Very interesting. Remember that wedding I'm going to next weekend. Yeah, the one I'm in. It was an entertaining show to say the least. There's something about paying a women to shake that thang that just ain't all that intriguing to me. Now, I understand the whole symbolic concept of it being the last time you can technically be all up on some other woman before you officially tie the knot. But I am just not feeling strippers like that. Hell, I'm in love with a nerd for crying out loud. But son might have to elope. On the reals, I'm sitting there watching the show and so many songs went racing through my mind. It's really sad with this whole live and breathe hip-hop thing that I cannot help but have some random lyric pop in my head at the utmost random a$$ time. But it ain't the obvious ish neither, like Luke or T-Pain's wack a$$ song. It's stuff like the Round & Round joint that Red & Meth did with Jonell that in turn inspired 50 to flip with his own little remix. So anyways, I guess I can be conservative. I am down to do all kinds of freaky stuff in the privacy of my own bedroom, but with my woman. Feel me? I just don't want no random chicks up in the mix. But man, I swear some dudes should not be drinking liquor when they'll be seeing some flesh that night. Let's just say that shT was pure comedy. Matter of fact, I wouldn't be suprised if a few dues propose next week just so they can start planing their party. LOL. So, yeah strippers are aiight, but have a back-up plan please, because I wasn't all that impressed. BET has spoiled me I guess (Where's the rest of her a$$?). I'll save my Ones for my sons. Or maybe I'm just immune...since I had my HS graduation party a a strip club. Comedy. Especially when my dun FO asked her if they were in elementary school together. Like I said...comedy. Good night. I need a drink and a back massage. Five days and counting until fun and sun.

Stakes is high, so I eat at Taco Bell now

We buildin' more beef than cattle ranches
Against the snowstorms and avalanches
-Little Brother, "So Fabulous"

I should be playing more ball.

I should be reading more (yes, still BSn on that one).

I should be lifting more weights. (maybe if I played less ball)

I should be trying to cop this crib I just saw a few hours ago.

I should hire a private speech therapist.

I should do a better job of keeping a normal schedule.

I should sell the truck. (gasp. sigh. teardrop.)

I should commit to playing Sudoko, Crossword Puzzles, and Scrabble more often.

I should get back to writing and performing my pieces.

I should renew my Verizon contract.

I should cop some new Tims.

I should take some classes.

I should do more marketing and bring in some new business.

I should wear more suits and ties.

I should cop some more white tees.

I should tell her how I feel.

I should cop a time-share crib.

I should wear shorts, Timbos, and wife-beaters all summer long (when it gets hot).

I should be asleep right now.

I should be chilling in Jamaica in less than a week.

I should relax and take more pictures.

I should really learn how to work this damn camera.

can't nobody can hug you the way your grandma does

Ain't no place like home
Uh, I feel like Dorothy so I tries it
Kicks my heels but my Jordans wouldn't 'ize it
-DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, "Ain't No Place Like Home"

Myrtle and Willie.

They both are great-great-grandmothers in every sense of the word. Firmly at the helm of the fifth generation, each of them has an uncanny sense of humor and resiliency that is umcomparable.

And still be runnign shT.

Like Cagney and Lacey. Cheech and Chong. Cooper and Swoopes. Sanford and Son.

Every few months or so, we get the two of them together in the same city for some sort of family gathering. Whether it's a reunion, random travel, graduation, funeral, or celebration of some sort. As you would think, they are kind of the focal points of the occasion because we all derived from them. They are roots of the tree. It is their shoulders we (figuratively) tip-toe upon.

Just three weeks ago, we had both of them up here for Slow Sis' graduation. Mad fun. Mad jokes. Mad good times. Maddeningly enjoyable.

And as a matter of fact, we even granny-napped Willie for two extra weeks so she could chillax and do some shopping and get her lounge on. Different restaurants. Filene's Basement. Work visits. Filene's Basement. The Wrentham Outlets. Filene's Basement.

Yesterday, Myrtle turned healthy 89 ( she still dirves her PT Cruiser) and Willie, a lively 82, suffered a mild stroke.

Tonight, I reflect on the collective pearls of wisdom these two women have bestowed upon me.

I've learned to be selective in my dealings with people, yet comfortable enough to befriend anyone.


I've learned to brush my teeth in the morning. every morning.

I've learned to (try) and save half of what you earn.

I've learned to "iron" pants by usng your hands when they are fresh out of the dryer.

I've learned to love your children no matter what foolishness they do or short-sighted decisions they may make.

I've learned that the cyclical nature of parenting is a learning process for all involved generations. From those adjusting to having their first child, to a mother adjusting to becoming a grandma, and so forth.

I've learned that even old folks can be as hip (and sometimes hipper) than teens.

I've learned that age ain't nothing but a number (especially if you stay healthy).

I've learned to love your family and make sure you let them know you'll always hold them down.

I've learned to let those you hold dearest closer when you least need to because we you most need them, that's when they'll be there for you.

So this is a shout originally meant as merely a reflective birthday wish for Myrtle, but is now also a somber prayer for Willie as she recovers in NYC. Like the say in those radio shout-outs, "We'll hold you down 'til you get out."